sambum

As has been said before - the Government wanted them - now they,ve got them - warts and all! Seriously, what type of people are "rude and aggressive" towards people who are trying to help them? (Don't answer that - I already know - starts with "R" and has two "S's" in the middle!)

"IN AN UNPRECEDENTED MOVE TO deter future coup attempts, legislation has been prepared to empower a Prime Minister to suspend any military commanders from duty if suspected of hatching one." Sounds like there's been "rumblings"! And an ideal opportunity for career minded individuals to step up a rung by "fingering" their superiors!

Nice thought - I was going to include a pic, but my last one got removed by "The Mods", so :- "Porkers might defy gravity and sprout wings"!

"my visa has been same for 25 years and yet every year they require same documents over and over again and sadly enough it is the same officer manning same counter who has seen me 25 years and not once have I had just a nod , forget about a smile or a small talk." Couldn't agree more! Especially the text that I have highlighted! Maybe someone on here can explain why they need the same documentation year after year after year? For instance, I can understand them needing a Kor Ror 2 form every year to prove that you are still married, but why do they need a copy of your Marriage Certificate EVERY YEAR? That is just one instance of what I consider to be unnnecessary paperwork - there are many more! Surely these details can be/are kept on a computer, so they could just put in your name/passport number, and press "Enter" and print off a "check list"? Very frustrating in this day and age - no wonder Thailand in many respects is still considered a Third World Country!!!

Doh!

I have heard that quite a few are opting to leave and go to Cambodia where they seem to have an easier time.

"As for the embassies , are they still here ?' Well, you occasionally see "The British Embassy are providing help and assistance at this time", in the event of a death or missing persons case and on checking Google there is still an Embassy in Bangkok - whether they do much "helping" is open to debate!

I think that the article is agreeing with you - as do I! (I think the fact that on a visa extension application expats are listed as "Aliens" quite telling!)

Remember during the days of Covid-19, when the ex pat community played a great part in keeping Thai businesses going - especially the family owned small businesses? And where I live organised "food parcels" for the poorer section of the Thai community? Obviously, the Thai Government don't, because they seem hell bent on making it more difficult for the average ex pat to stay here - taxing pensions? making it more difficult to get a visa extension? (apparently to deter criminals?) Maybe someone "in Government" might read this article and do something about it?

"Streamlining visa and work permit processes, and fostering a welcoming environment in Immigration Offices for foreign businesses, all those who need to acquire a visa or extension. But that won't happen - only last week they were saying that they were going to make it more difficult for ex pats to deter the criminal fraternity from coming to Thailand? 😕🤪

Perhaps they could open negotiations with the British Government regarding a "reciprocal agreement" the lack of which means that British pensioners living here have their pensions "frozen" at the rate they were getting when they first moved here?

If the Police were doing their job, and they wanted to curb these practices, they could do it easily by confiscating the licence of any driver who has a "Meter Taxi" sign but no meter, or one that "no work", or is it a case of the tail wagging the dog? Maybe the Police are being told to turn a blind eye in return for ????

Sounds like your heart's in the right place, mate!

"... let's see some old fashioned detective work" Yeah - right - in LOS?

".............. five members of a Russian gang have been apprehended for the kidnapping and extortion of a Belarusian couple in Phuket" "Oh, those Russians!" ("Rasputin" - Boney M)The Government wanted them, now they've got them - warts and all!!!

No sympathy from me! Sure, I smoked a bit of weed in my youger days, and dtook a few "uppers and downers"but nobody "pressured me", and nobody forced him to stick a needle in his arm or get addicted to his particular "need". Some people should learn how to say "No!" in the first place - they know the risks. And all these excuses for crimes "I only did it 'cos I was on drugs your honour - I need help, not prison" - Wallocks!

Blame TAT and your Government!!!

Same with the taxi mafia in Samui. At one time they tried to make "Meter Taxis" use their meters. Strange how many meters "not work!"

Slightly off topic, but I remember a few years ago, a guy I knew was playing as a part time musician/drummer but did not declare it to the Inland Revenue, ("Tax Man") and got "found out". After a couple of hours of "negotiations" they decided that he owed them about £100, and he said "That means I've got to do an extra couple of gigs this week just to pay you lot!" 🙂

"British man". Not "foreigner" - as most non Thais are rightly labelled.

Yes - quite agree! And one of the "benefits" (pun intended!) of being a "Nanny State"!

Are you on yours? "If you are not happy with something, just make the best out of what you have or suck it up!" Sounds very much like what the present Government would say to Move Forward Party voters!

My, my, we are being particular! The entrance fee for the "Elephant Trek" at one of the Samui waterfalls is at least double - as is the entrance to the "Zoo". And one of my friends (R.I.P.) always asked for the "locals" menu at one or two restaurants that we visited, but granted that was a couple of years ago, and sadly, he is no longer here to verify the locations, and I can't remember the names - sorry!

Really? You do surprise me! Even on Samui, some of the "Tourist Attractions" have double or triple pricing for foreigners!

My wife is from Esan and was shocked at the prices on Samui - then she went to Koh Phangan! (And not at "Party Time") She couldn't believe the prices charged for even basic Thai meals and water! I hesitate to think what the "farang" prices are!